Separatist Ashiq Hussain Faktoo alias Dr.Qasim, husband of Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi, who is undergoing life imprisonment, on Friday completed 23 years in a jail in Srinagar, where he completed his doctorate degree and teaches inmates pursuing different courses.
Qasim’s separatist group, Muslim Deeni Mahaz, has demanded a retrial in the case, alleging an unfair trial. “The Supreme Court sentenced him to life on the basis of a mere confessional statement given in detention. The Supreme Court had observed that his detention period will be considered as a part of the sentence, making it clear that his imprisonment was not till death,” said a spokesman in Srinagar.
The party organised protests both in the Valley and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against the life imprisonment.
In 2012, Faktoo, 49, was sentenced to “life imprisonment till death by the Srinagar High Court” on charges of involvement in the murder of noted Kashmiri Pandit human rights activist Hriday Nath Wanchoo in 1992.
Qasim, who completed his doctorate degree in Islamic studies in the jail, has denied the charges and accused the government of persecuting him for his political views. More than 125 students completed their graduation and post-graduation under his guidance.
In 1985, the police department had sought applications from youths for recruitment of sub-inspectors. Qasim also appeared in the selection test for the post.
“For the selection, he was demanded Rs.25,000 as bribe. Since he was not in a position to pay the amount, in spite of completing all other formalities, he was not selected. The incident changed his life,” said his spokesman.
With the help of an associate, Tariq Ahmad Sheikh of Hyderpora, Qasim met a militant leader Muhammad Abdullah Bangru. In 1990, Qasim was appointed as spokesman for the Hizbul Mujahidin.
In 1993, he, along with his wife and infant child Muhammad, were arrested at the Srinagar airport while returning from Delhi. In March 1999, when he was released on bail, he launched a religious organisation.
His wife Andrabi is known for her firebrand politics. She faces charges of unfurling Pakistan flags and singing its anthem last year. She caused a stir by organising cow slaughter on video at the peak of the beef controversy in Kashmir.
